James Smith, 1859

As a gentleman from England was visiting a minister of Christ in Ireland some time ago, they one day went out for a walk, and as they were walking, he saw a ragged Irish lad coming down the road. "Here comes one of my missionaries," said the minister. As the lad drew near, the gentleman saw that he had a book under his arm, "Well, my lad," said he, "are you a missionary?"

"Yes, sir!"

"And what doctrine do you teach?" said he.

"There is a fountain filled with blood,
Drawn from Immanuel's veins;
And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,
Lose all their guilty stains!"

"You appear to be very poor," replied he.

"Indeed, you are mistaken — for I'm very rich."

"What riches do you have?"

"Surely, I have the unsearchable riches of Christ. And more than that, I am an heir of God, and a joint heir with our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Anything more?"

"Oh, yes, I have an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in Heaven for me."

Reader, this Irish lad was a sound evangelical missionary, for he taught poor Irish sinners that the precious blood of Jesus would cleanse them from all sin. He did not send them to the priest, or the Virgin Mary — but directly to the Lord Jesus Christ. Nor did he lead them to place any dependence on anything of their own — but on the blood of Christ alone. No matter how black the sinner — the blood of Jesus will wash him white as snow! No matter how guilty, for faith in Jesus will bring home to his heart a full pardon and a perfect righteousness.

This poor boy was a happy Christian, for he realized his interest in Christ, his title to the wealth of Christ, and his joint heirship with Christ. He was happy now in what Christ was to him, and he looked forward with joy to his glorious Heavenly inheritance.

Is this your happiness? Are you resting on Christ for acceptance with God? Are you cleansed from your sins, by the blood of Christ? Can you lay claim to the unsearchable riches of Christ? Can you rejoice in an inheritance laid up for you in Heaven? If so, give all the glory to free grace. But if not, come to the Lord Jesus Christ at once, and all these blessings shall be yours!